Future of Fitness

In this episode, Eric Malzone talks with Carl Daikeler, co-founder and CEO of BODi (formerly Beachbody), about his remarkable path in transforming home fitness over the past quarter-century. Carl's story begins as a direct marketing expert who created 8 Minute Abs before building what would become one of the most extensive collections of fitness and nutrition programs available—featuring legendary workouts like P90X and Insanity from elite Super Trainers.

The conversation covers BODi's transformation from a company focused on physical appearance to one championing healthspan and longevity. Carl discusses creating Shakeology®, which pioneered the superfood protein shake category, and how he developed one of the first social-influencer and affiliate networks in the fitness space. They dig into why the industry needs to serve everyday people seeking better health rather than just fitness enthusiasts, why genuine approaches work better than influencer marketing, and how keeping things simple opens fitness to more people.

🏋️ Carl spent over 25 years building BODi from the success of 8 Minute Abs into a home fitness and nutrition leader serving millions

💪 Programs like P90X and Insanity showed that people would fully commit to challenging home workouts when given proper structure and support

📚 BODi's library includes more than 140 distinct programs created with top-tier Super Trainer experts

🥤 Shakeology® broke new ground as the original superfood protein shake made for regular people looking to improve their nutrition

📱 Carl created one of the fitness industry's first social-influencer and affiliate networks, ahead of the curve on community-driven growth

🤝 Real community support and accountability make the difference between short-term efforts and lasting lifestyle changes

❤️ The shift from Beachbody to BODi represents a bigger movement toward healthspan, longevity, and complete wellness instead of just aesthetics

⏱️ Consistent 10-20 minute daily movement creates meaningful health improvements without requiring marathon workout sessions

✨ People connect more with honest, relatable fitness content than they do with heavily produced influencer material

🎯 The fitness world needs to serve the 98% of people wanting sustainable health, not only the 2% pursuing elite performance or competition physiques

🌍 The Beachbody Foundation has given more than $10 million to support various organizations and communities, demonstrating a commitment to accessible wellness for everyone

🔮 Tomorrow's fitness innovations should focus on being affordable, accessible, and designed around where people actually are in their wellness journey

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In this episode, Eric Malzone sits down with Adam Schafer to explore the evolution of Mind Pump, one of the most successful brands in fitness podcasting. Adam opens up about how authenticity, transparency, and strategic business decisions turned a passion project into a thriving enterprise. The conversation dives into the realities of building a sustainable business in the fitness and wellness space — from navigating multiple revenue streams to maintaining integrity and trust in a market increasingly influenced by AI and misinformation.

💡 Key takeaways include the importance of authentic storytelling, slow and steady business growth, and staying grounded in core values even as responsibilities expand. Eric and Adam also discuss the power of email marketing, community-driven engagement, and how genuine connection — not trends — is what truly fuels long-term success in the fitness, entrepreneurship, and personal development world.

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In this episode, Kim Gouch, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Retro Fitness, dives into her journey and the dynamic evolution of the fitness industry. She discusses how Retro Fitness is redefining the HVLP market through community-driven experiences, authentic branding, and meaningful consumer connections. Kim highlights the brand's Get Real campaign, which celebrates individuality and emotional connection in fitness, and shares how community engagement and simplicity in consumer experience shape their approach to growth and retention.

She also explores the difference between branding and marketing, emphasizing that true success comes from building a brand for the future — one that resonates with younger generations through authenticity, technology integration, and inclusivity. With a focus on data-driven insights and collaborative innovation, Kim outlines Retro Fitness's strategy for explosive yet sustainable growth, ensuring the brand continues to inspire connection, wellness, and belonging in every community it serves. LINKS: